Apple CEO Tim Cook today delivered the commencement address at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., which is the only university in the world where Deaf and hard of hearing students live and learn bilingually in American Sign Language and English.
During his speech, Cook told undergraduates that his one piece of advice is to lead with your values throughout life.
"What does it take to build a life that provides meaning and fulfillment?" said Cook. "No one can answer that question for you, and that includes me. There is no iPhone feature that can come to the rescue. AI is good, but it's not that good. Still, I have one important piece of advice I want to share — so important, that it's the only piece of advice I'm going to share today. And that is this: whatever you do, lead with your values."
Cook said that Apple's purpose has always been to create technology that enriches peoples' lives, adding that the company is only able to achieve that goal by having a relentless focus on its values, such as making technology accessible to all, ensuring that privacy is a fundamental human right, and environmental responsibility.
The commencement was streamed live on YouTube:
Watch on YouTubeCook's commencement address came after Apple TV+ film "CODA" won an Academy Award for Best Picture. The film revolves around a young woman named Ruby, the sole hearing member of a Deaf family. Using sign language, Ruby acts as an interpreter for her parents while working for her family's struggling fishing boat business.
